Advice and Tools
For every step of your Ostomy Journey
SASS aims to advocate and align the standard of Stoma care and services across South Africa which will be applicable to both the private and public sectors.
Ostomy Care
Tips and Tricks
The South African Society of Stomates (SASS) is a Non-profit organization formed by Ostomates across Southern Africa to facilitate a “holistic” approach to ostomy patient care by bridging the gap between the private and public sectors whilst advocating for the rights of fellow ostomates throughout the country.
SASS VALUE STATEMENT
SASS is dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of ostomates across South Africa. We strive to bridge the gap between private and public healthcare sectors, ensuring that all ostomates receive the highest standard of care.
Our mission is to provide comprehensive support, education, and resources to empower ostomates and their families, helping them navigate their new normal with confidence and dignity. By collaborating closely with clinicians and healthcare professionals, we ensure that our community receives expert care and guidance.
Aligning with global standards set by The International Ostomy Association (IOA), we aim to foster a community where every ostomate feels supported, informed, and valued.
Featured Topics
For Living with a Colostomy, Ileostomy or Urostomy
Help us achieve
What we set out to achieve with YOUR help
GET EDUCATED
Medically reviewed surgery-specific information. Making sure you have access to the best possible care. Ostomy pouch management tips, diet & nutrition, skincare, sexuality, travel tips and more!
FEEL SUPPORTED
Support to you & your family whilst you transition into your new normal. You will have access to a local peer support group, where you can get answers to questions, or connect with our Facebook community.
BE AN ADVOCATE
We aim to advocate the standard of Stoma care across private and public sectors, whilst aligning with the global standards set out by The International Ostomy Association (IOA).
The conversation continues in Nairobi! 🇰🇪
Following the Global Colon Cancer Association Conference, @faizel_cpt remains in Nairobi, this time representing The South African Society of Stomates (SASS) at the 3rd World Patients Conference, taking place on 7–8 November 2026.
The conference theme, “From Voice to Action: Patients Shaping the Health System,” speaks directly to the work of patient advocacy organisations and the importance of ensuring that lived experience informs healthcare policy, decisions and practice.
For SASS, this is an important opportunity to connect with patient organisations from across the world, exchange experiences and strengthen the collective voice of patients in shaping more inclusive, equitable and responsive health systems.
🌍 SASS ON THE GLOBAL STAGE | GLOBAL COLORECTAL CANCER CONGRESS 2026
Colorectal cancer care is a global conversation, and every voice matters.
Over 5–6 November, Nairobi became a meeting place for advocates, healthcare professionals, researchers and organisations from across the world, all united by a common purpose: improving colorectal cancer care and outcomes.
The South African Society of Stomates (SASS) was proud to be part of this important gathering.
Our sincere appreciation goes to the Global Colon Cancer Association (GCCA) for creating this valuable international platform and extending the invitation for SASS to participate.
Representing SASS, our Chairperson and General Manager, Faizel Jacobs, contributed to two panel discussions on Day 2:
🎤 Patient Experience, Caregiving & Survivorship in Advocacy
Exploring the importance of lived experience, patient voices and advocacy in shaping more responsive and inclusive cancer care.
🎤 Advancing CRC Health Equity: Stoma Care, Ostomy Support & Survivor Quality of Life
Bringing the realities of living with a stoma into the wider conversation about health equity, appropriate ostomy support and quality of life for colorectal cancer survivors.
Across both days, the programme provided opportunities to explore important developments and challenges in prevention, early detection, treatment innovation, health systems, survivorship and equitable access to care.
But some of the greatest value came beyond the formal programme.
It was in the conversations, the connections made, the experiences shared and the opportunity to learn from organisations and individuals doing meaningful work in different parts of the world.
For SASS, international collaboration is essential. We have much to share about the realities facing ostomates in South Africa, and just as much to learn from others working towards better outcomes in their own communities.
We return with new insights, strengthened relationships and a renewed commitment to our mission.
Because improving colorectal cancer care cannot be achieved in isolation. It requires collaboration across borders, disciplines and communities, with patients and people wi
Survivorship is more than survival. It is about the life that follows.
What happens after cancer treatment ends?
How do we ensure that survivors, their families and those living with a stoma receive the support they need to move forward with dignity and confidence?
On 6 November 2026, Faizel Jacobs, Chairperson and General Manager of The South African Society of Stomates (SASS), will contribute his lived experience and advocacy perspective to the Global Colorectal Cancer Congress, focusing on patient experience, caregiving and survivorship in advocacy.
As a colorectal cancer survivor and ostomate, Faizel understands that the journey does not end when treatment is over. Ongoing care, emotional and practical support, access to reliable ostomy supplies, and the opportunity for patients to influence decisions about their care are all essential.
Through SASS and his work in the African ostomy community, Faizel continues to advocate for patient-centred care that moves beyond survival statistics to address quality of life, dignity and inclusion.
Patients are not just recipients of care. Their lived experiences must help shape the policies, services and support systems designed for them.
📅 Speaking on 6 November 2026
📖 Explore the full congress programme:
https://www.globalcca.org/programs/global-colorectal-cancer-congress
🎟️ Register to attend:
https://gcca.info/Register_Now_Faizel
#GCCA2026 #GlobalCRCCongress #CancerSurvivorship #PatientExperience #OstomyAdvocacy #PatientCentredCare #SASS #StrongerTogether
Stepping out of the Global Colon Cancer Association Conference in Nairobi briefly today, Faizel Jacobs, Chairperson of SASS, joined the The South African Medical Technology Industry Association (SAMED) Market Access Forum: Access Through the Patient Lens.
The discussion explored how procurement and reimbursement decisions affect patients who depend on ongoing access to medical devices and consumables.
Faizel highlighted an important reality: the lowest-priced product is not necessarily the most cost-effective. When products are inappropriate for a patient`s needs, the consequences can extend beyond complications and additional healthcare costs, affecting dignity, independence, quality of life and even the ability to work.
He also emphasised the importance of including lived experience and patient-reported outcomes in procurement decisions.
Because access is not simply about supplying a medical device. It is about ensuring that patients receive the **right product, in sufficient quantities, consistently**.
Our message remains simple:
**Stop treating the hole. Start treating the whole.**
#SASS #StrongerTogether #PatientCentredCare #MedicalDevices #MarketAccess OstomyCare LivedExperience
The @globalcrc conference has kicked off.
You too can be part of the journey virtually. Below find the program link which will include access details
#ColonCancer #GCCA #Sasstomates
🌍 Putting the lived experience of ostomates at the centre of colorectal cancer care
On 5 November 2026, Faizel Jacobs, Chairperson and General Manager of The South African Society of Stomates (SASS), will contribute to the Global Colorectal Cancer Congress, sharing his perspective on stoma care, ostomy support and survivor quality of life.
As a colorectal cancer survivor living with a permanent stoma, Faizel brings both personal experience and a national advocacy perspective to the conversation.
Access to essential ostomy supplies, appropriate clinical care, education and ongoing support can make a profound difference to a person`s quality of life after cancer surgery. Yet, for many ostomates in South Africa, these remain significant challenges.
Through SASS, we continue to advocate for equitable ostomy care and a healthcare system that recognises the needs of people living with a stoma.
Surviving cancer is one part of the journey. Being supported to live well afterwards matters just as much.
📅 Speaking on 5 November 2026
📖 Explore the full congress programme:
https://www.globalcca.org/programs/global-colorectal-cancer-congress
🎟️ Register to attend:
https://gcca.info/Register_Now_Faizel
#GCCA2026 #GlobalCRCCongress #ColorectalCancer #OstomyCare #PatientAdvocacy #SASS #StrongerTogether
I’m excited to be attending the 2026 Global CRC Congress virtually on November 5 and 6. Join me for conversations on prevention and screening, biomarkers and precision medicine, AI in colorectal cancer, equity and access, survivorship, and advocacy and policy.
Registration is free and open to all advocates and healthcare professionals worldwide.
Link to register https://gcca.info/Register_Now_Faizel
@GlobalCRC @GlobalColonCancerAssociation
#GlobalCRCCongress #ColorectalCancer #PatientAdvocacy
The world is coming together for colorectal cancer. GCCA Congress 2026 is live on November 5 and 6. Anyone can join virtually for free.
Register https://gcca.info/Register_Now_Faizel
@GlobalColorectalCancer
#GlobalCRCCongress #ColorectalCancer
SASS Blog
What has been happening at SASS
SASS2026: Stronger Together for Better Ostomy Care
Celebrating progress on World Ostomy Day while confronting the realities of equitable ostomy care in South Africa. On 2–3 October 2026, The South African Society of Stomates (SASS) brought together healthcare professionals, advocates and international delegates in Cape Town for the SASS2026 Scientific Conference, themed “Complex Wounds, Complex Patients: The Ostomy Challenge.” Held over World […]
SASS Stoma Nurse Excellence Awards 2026
Honouring Nurses Who Change Lives Behind every ostomate’s journey is often a nurse who made an impossible moment feel manageable.A nurse who provided dignity during uncertainty.A nurse who offered reassurance, compassion, education, and hope. The SASS Stoma Nurse Excellence Awards were created to recognise and celebrate stoma nurses who go above and beyond in supporting […]
SASS2026 Conference: Multidisciplinary Ostomy Care Conference in South Africa
The South African Society of Ostomates (SASS) will host the SASS2026 Conference at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cape Town, bringing together healthcare professionals involved in the care and rehabilitation of people living with a stoma. The conference is designed as a multidisciplinary clinical platform, supporting knowledge-sharing across nursing, physiotherapy, biokinetics, dietetics, occupational therapy, and […]
SASS IS PROUDLY AFFILIATED WITH
SASS Is Proudly Supported By
